Voltron

Yeah, I was trying to figure what got your back up.

Going to hear these beasts on Friday afternoon. Trying to figure out if bringing JP#s would be a good reality check or whether he would just be whispering DEW EET! in my ear the whole time.

I think she came back for a short period after that, but then was gone again. It's too bad if she thinks she can't engage without getting caught up in it because her voice was a good addition around here. Oww!

Actually, what the heck happened to Indra? Haven't seen her post in a long time.

Probably the fact that it was an Esoteric.

I'm basically with Nate on the granite controversy, but wonder if he is at risk of being kicked out of N.H. for saying such things publicly? Our kitchen has stainless counters except for one small section that is a nice looking granite for baking purposes. It is dropped down to the correct dough-rolling height and has a small sink as well. It has worked out great but I would not like our kitchen nearly as much if it was granite all around. Oh yeah, and we have a Bosch dishwasher too, grawk, so suck on that granite-lover!

The pitter-patter was due solely to Ayre mentioning headphone amplifiers in their manual. Here is the totality of the manual info on the tape outputs, and at least the third paragraph suggests there is a difference in how the signal gets from input to output as compared to the main outputs: The Ayre KX-R provides two tape outputs per channel, allowing connection of the selected source component to a recording device, headphone amplifier, or secondary sound system. These tape outputs utilize balanced XLR connectors. Should it be necessary to connect a tape output to a single-ended component, high-quality adapters are available from your Ayre dealer. Turn the tape outputs off unless they are currently being used. This will completely disconnect the auxiliary components from the KX-R (including the ground connection), eliminating the possibility of undesired ground loops. Unlike the main outputs, the tape outputs will not convert the signal from a single-ended source to a true balanced signal. Instead, the “hot” signal will be present on pin 2 of the XLR and pin1 and 3 will be grounded. This allows a connected balanced component to internally perform the single-ended to balanced conversion without the need for adapters. The tape outputs are controlled by a button on the remote control handset. Pressing the button activates the tape outputs, and pressing it a second time will turn them off. Turn the tape outputs off unless they are currently being used. This will completely disconnect the auxiliary components from the KX-R (including the ground connection), eliminating the possibility of undesired ground loops.

How do you think Mike has afforded all those Beta22s and Suckitalo cables this year?

Do you think I could carry it on?

I have already had a couple of email with the guy.

Good luck with all that Pa! Man, did I hate cleaning dishes in the bathtub, but the result was worth the hassle.

What, the girls in your high school didn't dress like that?

Marc and Birgir- What is it that you are talking about, or in other words what would I ask Ayre to explain? My comment about their suggestion of using the tape loop for a headphone amp was purely for grins and giggles because I don't recall seeing that in other hi-end preamplifier documentation. I was not suggesting it was anything special. As for turning off the inputs and the tape outs, my understanding is just what Wes Phillips and the Ayre manual say: turning them off "completely disconnects the auxiliary components from the K-XR (including the ground connection)." Wes goes into more detail on how it is done -- I think -- but mainly it just seemed like a good idea with so many ins and outs to be able to disconnect them and lift the ground to prevent ground loops or other interference from having all those empty jacks. That's all. Thanks, Al

That would be cool. The pre has 2 balanced pre-outs and 2 balanced tape outs to go along with the 4 s/e and 4 balanced inputs, so it can do a whole lot. Any number of the ins and the tape outs can also be turned completely off and the ground lifted so it is like they ain't there.

I admit that Wes Phillips' reviews of these two flagship models have got me looking at them, but everything I read seems intriguing and alluring. These are shockingly high cost items, so I am both hesitant to go too far down the rabbit hole of this fixation and yet still very curious. I also admit that the K-XR User Manual's suggestion that a balanced tape out could be used for a headphone amplifier made my heart go pitter-pat. Recognition in the highest of the high end! Anybody else heard the these and/or have any opinions on them or their design? A local dealer reps them, so I hope to get a listen later this week.

EDIT: That was what I meant to post.

thrice with the rickroll. sad.

I watched Dexter again last night and I am sick of all the Rita time even though her boobs are like twice as big as last season. The show seems to be stuck in a rut right now, or at least the current buildup to some kind of climax is taking too long.

Asshat markl? I thought he already put up the white flag and left us in peace...

Get an iPhone. There, I told you. Turned out Claire had Remote on hers, but I updated it and started using it last night. I know I am late to the party, but Remote is awesome!

Did that happen last night? Drag.

Too bad on the hiss, Nate. Do you hear it with music playing or just between songs, etc.?

I have used Audible.com for years. Works well with iTunes and iPods.

"Teh dingo saved mah kittehs!"

I watched Dexter last night but I think I still have one more to be caught up.